Lewis the Rampaging Cat Cleared of All Charges

While Andrew and I tend to focus on bizarre animal news from the fringes of research and geography, every once in a while we like to do a fluff piece that is close to home...this next piece couldn't be fluffier or closer to home.

Between the years of 2003-2006, Lewis, a polydactyl, domestic longhair cat went on a terror spree in Fairfield, Connecticut (Andrew and my hometown); He was alleged to...

...have been involved in six or more attacks in Fairfield's Sunset Circle neighborhood, including biting and scratching an Avon Lady and killing and eating a herd of sheep...Ok, made up the herd of sheep thing. But his violence was legendary. Explained one neighbor
"His M.O. is to spring from behind you and what he does is wrap himself around your legs and he bites and scratches."

Lewis' owner, Ruth Cicero, was charged with reckless endangerment for allowing the dangerous Lewis to roam free after a judge imposed regulations on when the cat was allowed into suburbia. Rather than euthanize him, she continued to fight the case in court. The judge ordered Lewis to be on house arrest for a period of two years. This uncommon ruling for a pet led to national media attention and even "Save Lewis" t-shirts.

A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some Fancy Feast and a nice bowl of rancid milk...

The two years have now passed, and Lewis' case has been expunged. Ms. Cicero has not yet returned Zooillogix's request for an interview, but all reports seem to indicate that Lewis is permanently an "indoor" cat. The citizens of Fairfield can sleep...for now.

GrrlScientist Note: Tomorrow is PZ's birthday so I thought I would share this paper with him and all of you, just as a reminder of the time when he ranted about his family cat's bad behavior. I think Midnight's bad manners are the result of PZ's beard. Don't believe me? Here's proof!
Feline…

I don't have much science to talk about; it looks like I may have finally cured myself of writing about the stupidities of the denialists and arguing with idiots. So, instead:
Way back in November last year I went to a talk by Hulme on "In what ways is religious belief relevant for understanding…

TODAYMoms - Want another bedtime story, sweetie? Here's one: 'Go the F@#k to Sleep'
"The cats nestle close to their kittens.
The lambs have laid down with the sheep.
You're cozy and warm in your bed, my dear
Please go the f@#k to sleep."
(tags: kid-stuff books silly sleep)

Macavity, Macavity, there's no one like Macavity, for he's a fiend in feline shape, a monster of depravity!!! :-D

I'm sure a billiondy farmers who employ outdoor cats to keep mice, rats and other vermin away would heartily disagree with the indoor cat idea. No? Life is a gigantic circle of life and death, and as fervently as I adore birds, cats should remain indoor/outdoor as they please for just such reasons. It helps keep things balanced. :-)

Had a similar large domestic pussy which became known in neighbourhood as The Big cat. He'd nick toast out the hands of kindergarten kids on their way to school. That's what cats do. They are survivors by any means.

Here in Australia cats are not popular as they have had a devasating effect on wild life.

Interestingly cats have been specially provided in the Pope's accommodation as he is a cat lover. He is in Sydney for World Youth day.

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